Between preparing healthy food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, Oldham County nutrition professionals have a lot on their plate.

To celebrate their hard work and commitment, the School Nutrition Association organizes School Nutrition Employee Week, this year May 6-10.

To kick off the celebration, SNA has partnered with Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the “Lunch Lady” graphic novel series and Random House Children’s Books, to create School Lunch Superhero Day.

The superhero theme will carry through the week and give parents, students and school staff an opportunity to thank those who provide healthy meals to 32 million of America’s students each school day.

All across the school district, school nutrition professionals will be honored with thanks, cards, and recognition from students, school staff, parents, and the community. The food services department wants to share their gratitude for the hard work and dedication shown to the students of Oldham County. Cafeteria employees are just about the only school employee to see EVERY student, EVERY day. A simple smile, ‘good morning’ or ‘see you tomorrow!’ means so much to a child, no matter what age.

School nutrition employees must balance many roles and follow numerous federal, state and local regulations to ensure safe and healthy meals are available in schools. In fact, federal nutrition standards ensure that every school lunch offers students a well-balanced meal offering low-fat or fat-free milk, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. School meals also meet limits on calories, sodium and unhealthy fats.

The importance and nutritional value of school meals are well documented. For many children, school lunch is the most important and nutrient-rich meal of their day.

Oldham County nutrition staff feed approximately 6,283 students a day for lunch — and all 10 elementary schools are Healthier US School Challenge award winners. The menus for all levels are certified healthy by the USDA.

The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing 55,000 school nutrition professionals across the country. Founded in 1946, SNA and its members are dedicated to making healthy school meals and nutrition education available to all students. To find out more about today’s school meals, visit www.TrayTalk.org.